Wearable helmet system with integrated peripherals

ABSTRACT

A Wearable Helmet System with Integrated Peripherals may be provided. In some embodiments, the integrated peripherals may be provided without a helmet, but configured to be adapted into a hard-shell headgear to form a helmet system consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. The hard-shell headgear system may comprise a helmet adapted for sports play. The hard-shell headgear may be integrated with a plurality of peripheral devices such as, for example, but not limited to, at least one camera configured to capture video data, at least one microphone configured to capture audio data, a communications module, a power module, and a processing module. The processing module is configured to control an operation of the integrated peripheral devices based on, for example, but not limited to, instructions received via the communications module and a location of the hard-shell headgear.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Under provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), the present application is acontinuation of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/801,613,entitled “Wearable Helmet with Integrated Peripherals,” filed Jul. 16,2015 in the name of FieldCast, LLC. which is now granted U.S. Pat. No.______ which claims the benefit of, and incorporates by reference, intheir entirety:

-   -   a. U.S. provisional application No. 62/026,475, filed Jul. 18,        2014, entitled “Wearable Helmet System with Integrated        Peripherals” Attorney Docket No. SE120.T5614 in the name of        Saeed Z. Anwar and Tenzing P. Tshering; and    -   b. U.S. provisional application No. 62/059,378 entitled “Point        Of View Video Processing and Curation Platform,” Attorney Docket        No. SE120.T6534, filed on Oct. 3, 2013 in the name of Saeed Z.        Anwar and Tenzing P. Tshering.

The present disclosure is a continuation-in-part of relatedapplications, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in itsentirety:

-   -   a. U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/565,915,        entitled “Point Of View Multimedia Platform,” Attorney Docket        No. SE120P.001US01 filed Dec. 10, 2014 in the name of FieldCast,        LLC; and    -   b. U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/612,671,        entitled “Point of View Multimedia Provision,” Attorney Docket        No. SE120P.001US02 filed Feb. 3, 2015 in the name of FieldCast,        LLC.

It is intended that each of the referenced applications may beapplicable to the concepts and embodiments disclosed herein, even ifsuch concepts and embodiments are disclosed in the referencedapplications with different limitations and configurations and describedusing different examples and terminology.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to content capture and deliveryin a networked environment.

BACKGROUND

Conventional helmet systems may merely provide a helmet integrated witha single camera. The conventional integrated helmet may not includespeakers, microphones, or any other sensing devices. Furthermore, thehelmet cannot be easily disassembled in order to, for example, repair ormaintain the integrated camera, which are stored in a hard plasticcasing that may be prone to damage upon impact. The batteries ofconventional integrated helmet may be lithium-ion batteries that areconfigured internally. As lithium-ion batters are extremely sensitive tohigh-temperatures, the conventional integrated helmet may present therisk of potential over-heating and the subsequent dangers of combustion.Furthermore, heat causes lithium-ion battery packs to degrade muchfaster than they normally would.

Brief Overview

A wearable helmet system with integrated peripherals may be provided.This brief overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts ina simplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This brief overview is not intended to identify keyfeatures or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor isthis brief overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subjectmatter's scope.

A wearable helmet system with integrated peripherals may be provided. Insome embodiments, the integrated peripherals may be provided without ahelmet, but configured to be adapted into a helmet to form a helmetsystem consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. The helmetsystem may comprise a helmet adapted for sports play. The helmet may beintegrated with a plurality of peripheral devices such as, for example,but not limited to, at least one camera configured to capture videodata, at least one microphone configured to capture audio data, acommunications module, a power module, and a processing module. Theprocessing module is configured to control an operation of theintegrated peripheral devices based on, for example, but not limited to,instructions received via the communications module and a location ofthe helmet.

Both the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed descriptionprovide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoingbrief overview and the following detailed description should not beconsidered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may beprovided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodimentsmay be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinationsdescribed in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarksand copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings maycontain other marks owned by third parties and are being used forillustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks andcopyrights represented herein, except those belonging to theirrespective owners, are vested in and the property of the Applicants. TheApplicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks andcopyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce thematerial only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent andfor no other purpose.

Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explaincertain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included forillustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodimentsdetailed in the present disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a webbing;

FIG. 2A illustrates another view of an embodiment of the webbing;

FIG. 2B is a vector diagram associated with an embodiment of thewebbing;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a webbing attachment means;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a component housing;

FIG. 5 is an air-flow diagram of an embodiment of a helmet;

FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of a webbing containing a speaker anda camera;

FIG. 6B is a vector diagram associated with an embodiment of a webbingcontaining a speaker and a camera;

FIG. 6C illustrates an embodiment of a component alignment on a helmet;

FIG. 6D illustrates another embodiment of a component alignment on ahelmet;

FIG. 6E illustrates another embodiment of a component housing;

FIG. 7A illustrates another embodiment of a webbing attachment means;

FIG. 7B illustrates another view of an embodiment of the webbing;

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of a component housing; and

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system including a computing device thatmay be used in accordance to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broadutility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment mayincorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects ofthe disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality ofthe above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed andidentified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best modecontemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure.Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrativepurposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. As should beunderstood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality ofthe above-disclosed aspects of the display and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, manyembodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodimentsdescribed herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail inrelation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, andare made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments isnot intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patentprotection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, whichscope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It isnot intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by readinginto any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appearin the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather thanthe description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan shouldprevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, no claim element isintended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unlessthe explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in suchclaim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to applyin the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join alist of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does notexclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein tojoin a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the following description to refer to the same or similar elements.While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described,modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. Forexample, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to theelements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described hereinmay be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to thedisclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description doesnot limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure isdefined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers.It should be understood that these headers are used as references andare not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosedunder the header.

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover,although many portions of the present disclosure are written with thereference to embodiments comprising a football helmet, it should beunderstood that the wearable helmet system of the present disclosure maybe adapted and applied in many different environments, including, butnot limited to, sports, medical, military, recreational, mapping, andmany other compatible uses.

I. OVERVIEW

Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a wearable helmetsystem with integrated peripherals may be provided. This overview isprovided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form thatare further described below. This overview is not intended to identifykey features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor isthis overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter'sscope. The wearable helmet system with integrated peripherals may beused by individuals or companies for point of view multimedia contentcapture and transmission.

The helmet system may be integrated with a Point of View MultimediaPlatform as disclosed by the related applications listed in the RelatedApplications section of this disclosure. The multimedia content capturedand transmitted by the helmet system may include video, audio, locationand telemetry data. The system may be further configured to captureother information, including, for example, motion and location data. Thecontent capture and transmission may be configured to occur, in certainembodiments, from a sporting venue, on a playing field, and/or inconjunction with a live-broadcasting event such as, for example, afootball game. In a football game, a football player may wear theintegrated helmet system on his head in substantially the same manner asa convention helmet would be worn. In turn, the helmet of the presentdisclosure would enable the Point of View Multimedia Platform to employthe football player as a multimedia content capturing and transmissionsource.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a helmetthat can be securely mounted on, and be easily removed from, the wearer.The helmet may be integrated with a plurality of sensing devices,including, but not limited to, cameras, microphones and speakers(hereinafter referred to as “integrated peripherals”). The integratedperipherals may be grouped together and easily attachable and detachableto helmets or users.

The cameras and microphones may be configured to provide point of viewvideo capture. (See U.S. provisional application No. 62/059,378, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety). Inaddition, when used in conjunction with the speaker, the helmet may beused as a two-way communications system.

In various embodiments, the helmet may be configured with additionalelectronics for telemetry data collection (e.g. acceleration,temperature, gyroscopic sensors, motion detectors, biometric sensors,etc.) and Geo-location information. Moreover, the telemetry datacollected may be streamed through the communications module as telemetrydata along with its own metadata. Metadata may include, for example, butnot limited to, player ID information, and be communicated in a separatestream. (See U.S. provisional application No. 62/059,378, the disclosureof which is incorporated by reference in its entirety). Moreover, insome embodiments, the telemetry data may be employed in the provision ofCGI renderings. (See U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No.14/565,915, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety.)

A helmet consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure may bemanufactured from various materials comprising, but not limited to, forexample clothing, elastomer foam, and thermoplastic elastomers. Theintegrated peripherals may be encased inside the thermoplasticelastomers, which may be encased inside the elastomer foam. Theintegrated peripherals may be interconnected using industry standardelectronic wiring, ribbon cable, and the like.

The location, as obtained by a location detection module, of the system(or grouped integrated peripherals) may be directly associated with howthe system operates or how the content captured by the system issubsequently processed. (See U.S. provisional application No.62/059,378, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety).

Both the foregoing overview and the following detailed descriptionprovide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoingoverview and the following detailed description should not be consideredto be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided inaddition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may bedirected to various feature combinations and sub-combinations describedin the detailed description.

II. CONFIGURATION

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a wearable helmetsystem comprising a plurality of integrated peripherals. Otherembodiments of the present disclosure may provide systems that comprisea plurality of peripherals that are configured to be integrated into ahelmet. Yet further embodiments of the present disclosure may providemethods for integrating a plurality of peripherals into a helmet.

In some embodiments, the system (interchangeably referred to asapparatus or device throughout this disclosure) may be installed inbetween the hard shell of the helmet and the helmet cushioning fibers.In further embodiments, the system may be mounted on a wearer-facingside the helmet (the interior). In other embodiments, the wearablesystem may be mounted on the outside of the helmet (external surface) byemploying, for example, screws, snaps and/or Velcro. The presentdisclosure further anticipates a hybrid approach wherein all three ofthe aforementioned variations, or partial combinations thereof, may beemployed in the helmet integration. For instance, various components ofthe system mounted on the inside, outside, and inner configurations ofthe helmet.

The system may be designed to be easily removed from one helmet andplaced into another helmet. The system may have a unique identifier sothat it may be associated with the player that wears the system. Theplayer-system association may occur on a remote, server end and becontrolled and modified by an operator at any time. In this way, users(e.g. players) can interchange systems with different helmets during,for example, a football game.

The integrated peripherals consistent with the embodiments of thepresent disclosure may comprise a plurality of devices configuredcapture, for example, audio/video content, movement sensing devices,temperature sensing devices, and location data (hereinafter referred toas the “capturing devices”). In some embodiments, the cameras may bemulti-depth focus cameras configured to detect multiple light fields.One such example of a camera may be the multi-array camera from PelicanSystems.

The integrated peripherals may further comprise a communications modulecomprising, for example, Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth devices configured tostream the data. The data may be streamed in accordance to systems andmethods disclosed in the Point of View Multimedia Platform applications.

Various embodiments of the integrated helmet system may comprise aprocessing module coupled to the capturing devices and thecommunications module. In this way, the processing unit may communicate,bi-directionally, data captured by the system as well as operationaldata received from a remote location. The processing module may comprisea micro-embedded processor placed within the wearable system. Forexample, the processing module may comprise a system on a chip (SOC)such as the SnapDragon from Qualcomm, the Ambarella A9, and other likechipsets. A quantity of processors (or processing modules) that may beintegrated into the helmet may depend on a quantity of capturingdevices.

The integrated helmet system may further comprise a power module. Thepower module may include, for example, a battery. The battery may bereplaceable and/or rechargeable. The embodiments where the battery ischargeable, the power module may include a port for receiving a powersupply.

In various embodiments, the battery may be integrated into the helmetitself. For example, the battery may be placed on the back of thehelmet, on an external surface. In other embodiments, where longerbattery life is required, the battery may be external to the integratedhelmet system in order to, for example, accommodate larger battery size.In these embodiments, the external battery may be worn on body of thehelmet wearer (e.g., in a carrying compartment or back pack), andconnected to the helmet with wiring.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a webbing for encasingintegrated peripherals. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of webbing thatmay be provided. The webbing may be comprised of, but not limited to,for example, sewn clothing, elastomer foam, and thermoplasticelastomers. The thermoplastic elastomers may be designed to snap throughopenings of the helmet and mount to external and/or internal surfaces ofthe helmet.

Each thermoplastic elastomer may be designed to provide protection forthe integrated peripherals encased therein. The shape of the webbing maybe customized to conform to the physical properties of various helmetdesigns. Accordingly, although the webbing is disclosed herein to beadapted to a football helmet, it should be understood that the webbingmay be adapted to conform to different types of headgear, including, forexample, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, and various other helmet types.

Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, the webbing mayconsist of, for example ten pieces, as represented by items 1 through 10in FIG. 1. Item 1 may be an elastomer foam that is installed on, forexample, the front of the helmet and under the upper portion of thefacemask. As will be described in greater detail in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3,it may comprise an embedded thermoplastic elastomer housing for storingan integrated peripheral device such as, for example, a camera.

Item 2 may be an elastomer foam that bridges the front of the helmet toa webbing located on the inside of the helmet. This, too, may beembedded with a thermoplastic elastomer housing configured with a cameraand, in various embodiments, a microphone.

Item 3 may be an elastomer foam positioned on the inside of the helmet.The elastomer foam may be comprised of a thermoplastic elastomermaterial to embed the wiring for the cameras and microphone. These wiresmay continue to the item 4, which may be an elastomer foam to house thethermoplastic material for a processing module (e.g., computing device).The processing module may comprise a PCB board for the System-on-a-Chip(SOC) and related electronics, which may be further detail withreference to FIG. 4.

Similarly, item 5 may be an elastomer foam to house the thermoplasticelastomer material for an additional processing module. The additionalprocessing module may comprise an additional PCB board for an additionalSOC related electronics. Items 4 and 5 may share the input-output to allthe integrated peripherals (e.g., cameras, speakers and microphones). Insome embodiments, the processing module housed in item 4 may beconfigured to operate a first set of capturing devices (e.g.,front-facing cameras and microphone), while the additional processingmodule housed in item 5 may be configured to operate a second set ofcapturing devices (e.g. side and rear facing cameras and speakers). Theintegrated helmet system may be designed with different configurationsbased on different peripheral device integration layouts.

Item 6 and item 7 may be the elastomer foam that is positioned on theinterior of the helmet in a way that, when the helmet is worn, the foammay go around the side of the wearer's head and ears. Item 6 may bepositioned to the right side of the wearer's head, while item 7 may bepositioned to the left side of the wearer's head. As will be detailedwith reference to FIG. 8, both items 6 and 7 may be embedded withthermoplastic elastomer housing in which cameras and speakers may beinstalled.

Item 8 may be an elastomer foam on the interior back-side of the helmetwith thermoplastic elastomer material to embed the wiring for a backcamera. The wiring may continue to the processing module of items 4 or5. Item 9 may be an elastomer foam that bridges the foam of item 8 to awebbing located inside of the helmet. Similarly, item 9 may be comprisedof a thermoplastic elastomer material to embed the wiring for the backcamera, which may continue to the processing module of items 4 or 5.

Item 10 may be an elastomer foam that sits on the back of the helmet. Aswill be described in FIGS. 7A and 7B, it may be made from elastomers butmay comprise an embedded thermoplastic elastomer housing for the backcamera.

FIG. 2A describes the elastomer foam webbing mounted on the front of thehelmet shown by item 23. The webbing components from FIG. 1, items 1, 2,and 3, may be repeated in FIGS. 2A and 2B to show their positionsmounted relative to the front of the helmet, item 23.

Again referring to FIG. 2A, item 22 may be the thermoplastic elastomerthat houses the frontal camera, item 21. This frontal camera mayrepresent the main view of the play for most players on the field. Thewires from this camera may traverse through item 22, item 2 and item 3.These wires may connect with the processing module embedded within FIG.1, item 4. The camera, item 21, may be situated such that its view isnot obstructed by the face guard helmet. The camera may be mounted inthe thermoplastic elastomer-housing, item 22, such that when pressure isapplied; the pressure will dissipate by the thermoplastic housing.

To describe the pressure dissipation, a vector diagram is shown in FIG.2B. For example, when pressure is applied to item 21, this pressure maybe passed from the camera to the thermoplastic elastomer housing, item22. Thermoplastics elastomers may elongate as shown by the arrows. Suchelongation may absorb the pressure applied to the camera, therebyproviding a level of protection to the actual camera from breaking. Insome embodiments, the face guard mask may also provide a second front ofprotection. For example, because the face guard mask may protrude fromthe top of the helmet, the protruding portion may stop the camera fromreceiving a direct impact.

In FIG. 2A, item 25 shows another thermoplastic elastomer embedded initem 2. This thermoplastic elastomer may house a camera, item 24, and amicrophone, item 26. This camera may be configured so as to capture awearer's eye movements as well as eye dilation in case of injury, stressand facial expressions. Accordingly, the thermoplastic elastomer may beshaped such that the camera is slightly angled towards the eyes. Themicrophone may be used for multiple applications, including, but notlimited to, for example communications with the coaching staff andmedical staff, as well as general audio capturing for transmission tothe Point of View Multimedia Platform.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an attachment of the elastomer foamwebbing to the front of the helmet. In FIG. 3, items 31 and 32 may bethe screw positions where the face guard may be attached to the helmet.In some embodiments, the webbing may be secured to the helmet usingthese screw positions with the same screw as for the face guard. Inother embodiments, snaps or Velcro may accommodate screws for the faceguard assembly.

FIG. 4 describes the portion of the elastomer foam webbing that housesthe electronics for the front of the helmet. In FIG. 4, item 4 shows theelastomer foam that may be stitched to the webbing. This elastomer maycontain the thermoplastic elastomer-housing, item 41, for the processingmodule (e.g., SOC and PCB board and related electronics). In someembodiments, the processing module may be alternatively housed in theelastomer foam webbing at the back of the helmet, FIG. 1, item 10.

A heat exchanger, item 43, may be located at an extension from thethermoplastic elastomer housing. This heat exchanger may draw the heatfrom the processing module components (e.g. the PCB board) and dissipatethe heat through the helmet. Internal helmet airflow is shown in FIG. 5.Airflow from the ear region and from the face region may push air to thetop and back towards the vents. In this way, the hot air from the heatexchanger may be dissipated through the vents in the helmet.

In various embodiments, the processing module may further house aplurality of sensors, such as, for example, but not limited to, GPSlocation, Accelerometers, RFID, and the like. In turn, each capturingdevice (e.g., camera, microphone, and other sensor data) may betime-synchronized via, for example, a processor (e.g., the SOC) usingtimestamp information.

In some embodiments, a proximity sensing device, such as, for example,the RFID may be used to operate the capturing devices in apower-efficient manner. For example, RFID tags may be positioned inproximity to a playing field (e.g. players' bench) in which theintegrated helmet system is being worn. Then, when the wearer of theintegrated helmet system goes off the field and is within 6 ft of thebench where the RFID tags are placed, the processing module may beoperative to switch the capturing devices and communications modules toa standby/low-power mode to preserve battery power. The presentdisclosure anticipates that other remote management techniques may beused to place electronics in standby/low-power mode.

In yet further embodiments, the location of the device (groupedperipherals, and as detected by the location detection module) may becorrelated with its operation based on a point of view perspective acentralized server is attempting to provide. (See U.S. provisionalapplication No. 62/059,378, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference in its entirety, reference to “SPORT OF VIEW” examples).

Referring back to FIG. 4, item 43 shows the Wi-Fi antenna, which may bea part of the communications module. The Wi-Fi antenna may be used tostream the audio and video over Wi-Fi, although Bluetooth communicationdevices and protocols may be used as well. The shape of this antenna maybe similar to that found in smart cell phones that require good Wi-Ficonnections, such as, for example, the Apple iPhone. Items 21, 24, and26 (i.e., the two cameras towards the front of the helmet and themicrophone) have been detailed in the description corresponding to FIG.2A.

FIG. 6A illustrates one possible embodiment of an elastomer foam webbingfor a right-side speaker and camera. In some instances, the webbing maywrap under the side of the helmet and be attached to the outside of thehelmet with, for example, Velcro. Accordingly, FIG. 6A illustrates anexample of the structural integrity of the helmet with a camera placedinside an opening of the helmet. Further details for this example areprovided with reference to FIG. 6B.

In FIG. 6A, item 6 may be the elastomer foam forming part of thewebbing. Item 61 may be the thermoplastic elastomer housing which housesthe camera, item 62, and the speaker, item 63. The camera may bepositioned outwards through the opening of the helmet, while the speakermay be directed towards the wearer's head. In the example illustrated inFIG. 6A, the elastomer foam does not cover the ear holes in the helmet,as the wearer must still be enabled to hear from players within thefield.

FIG. 6B shows how the webbing, item 6, may be positioned in relation tothe helmet shell, item 64. The elastomer foam is shown as item 6, andthe embedded thermoplastic elastomer is shown as item 61, in which thecamera, item 62, may be embedded. The thermoplastic elastomer may beshaped such that it may snap through the helmet opening and straddle thesides of the opening of the helmet without protruding out of theopening. In this way, when downward pressure from an impact is appliedto the camera, the thermoplastic elastomer may absorb the pressure,which may elongate the thermoplastic elastomer on the inside of thehelmet as shown by the arrows. This may protect the camera frombreaking.

In some embodiments, it may be preferred to place cameras in positionwhere all the angles from each camera overlap to provide a hemisphericview. A hemispheric view is described in greater detail in the Point ofView Multimedia Platform related applications. Since the helmet may notalways be in the shape of a ball, FIGS. 6C and 6D show some potentialplacements of the cameras.

In FIG. 6C, the camera may aligned with the front and back cameras. Inthis way, when the content captured by the cameras is stitched together,a panoramic view may be provided around a vertical axis, relative to theground, to represent the left to right motion. In FIG. 6D, the cameramay aligned so that when a receiver running to receive the ball liftshis head, the resultant rotation of the helmet, when coupled with thecaptured and stitched content of the cameras, may create a panoramicview of the incoming ball.

The placement of the side camera may be configured to accommodate twoprimary motions. A first motion may be the left to right movement of thehead (e.g., a quarterback at a snap, a quarterback running backwards,and the like.). A second motion may be the turning the head of areceiver to, for example, to catch the ball.

The webbing for the left side of the head represented by FIG. 1, item 7,may be built similarly to the webbing on the right side represented byFIG. 1, item 6. Accordingly, FIG. 6E represents one embodiment of theelastomer foam webbing for the wearer's left speaker and camera. In someembodiments, the webbing may wrap under the side of the helmet and beattached to the outside of the helmet with, for example, Velcro.

FIG. 7A shows an embodiment of the elastomer foam webbing that goes onthe external-back portion of the helmet. In some embodiments, theelastomer foam, item 10, may attach to the back of the helmet with, forexample, screw or snap attachments as shown by items 103 and 104.Embedded within the foam may be the thermoplastic elastomer housing,item 101, for the camera, item 102. The alignment of the back camera isillustrated in the description corresponding to FIG. 6C. In FIG. 7,items 105 and 106 illustrate the thermoplastic elastomer housing for thebatteries.

The batteries that may be used to power the integrated peripherals ofthe integrated helmet system should be of sufficient capacity to last atleast the duration of the event in which the integrated system isemployed. The capacity of batteries may be, for example, smaller whenused in conjunction with RFID or other remote power managementtechniques that place the electronics in standby/lower-power mode andpreserve battery life, as described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 8.

FIG. 7B shows how the back camera, item 102, may be positioned relativeto the helmet shell, item 107. Item 101 is the thermoplastic elastomerhousing for the back camera. The elastomer foam on the back, item 10,may be connected with the rest of the webbing with items 9 and 8,respectively. FIG. 8 illustrates the elastomer foam webbing that housesthe second set of electronics for the side and back cameras, as well asthe speakers.

FIG. 8 describes the portion of the elastomer foam webbing that housesthe electronics for the back of the helmet. In FIG. 8, item 5 shows theelastomer foam that may be stitched to the webbing. This elastomer maycontain the thermoplastic elastomer-housing, item 81, for the processingmodule (e.g., SOC and PCB board and related electronics). In someembodiments, the processing module may be alternatively housed in theelastomer foam webbing at the back of the helmet, FIG. 1, item 10.

Extending from the thermoplastic elastomer housing may the heatexchanger, item 82, for the processing module. This heat exchanger maydraw the heat from the processing module components (e.g. the PCB board)and dissipate it inside the helmet. Internal helmet airflow is shown inFIG. 5. Airflow from the ear region and from the face region may pushair to the top and back towards the vents. In this way, the hot air fromthe heat exchanger may be dissipated through the vents in the helmet.

FIG. 8, items 62, 63, 66 and 67 are described in the description forFIGS. 6A and 6E, respectively. These are the two cameras and speakers onthe sides of the helmet. FIG. 8, item 102 is described in thedescription for FIG. 7. This is the camera in the back of the helmet.

FIG. 8, item 83 shows a Wi-Fi antenna. In some embodiments, a Wi-Fiantenna may be used to stream data, including, for example, but notlimited to, the audio, video, and sensor data, over Wi-Fi. The shape ofthe antenna may be similar to that found in smart cell phones thatrequire good Wi-Fi connections, such as the Apple iPhone. In someembodiments, a Bluetooth connection may be used instead of, or inconjunction with, Wi-Fi communication. The data may be streamed tocentralized server where the data may be processed. Although dataprocessing is disclosed in the Point of View Multimedia Platformapplications incorporated by reference, FIG. 9 illustrates a computingdevice, which in some embodiments, may be contained within theprocessing module to pre-process the captured data.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system including computing device 900.Consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure, the aforementionedmemory storage and processing unit may be implemented in a computingdevice, such as computing device 900 of FIG. 9. Any suitable combinationof hardware, software, or firmware may be used to implement the memorystorage and processing unit. For example, the memory storage andprocessing unit may be implemented with computing device 900 or any ofother computing devices 918, in combination with computing device 900.The aforementioned system, device, and processors are examples and othersystems, devices, and processors may comprise the aforementioned memorystorage and processing unit, consistent with embodiments of thedisclosure.

With reference to FIG. 9, a system consistent with an embodiment of thedisclosure may include a computing device, such as computing device 900.In a basic configuration, computing device 900 may include at least oneprocessing unit 902 and a system memory 904. Depending on theconfiguration and type of computing device, system memory 904 maycomprise, but is not limited to, volatile (e.g. random access memory(RAM)), non-volatile (e.g. read-only memory (ROM)), flash memory, or anycombination. System memory 904 may include operating system 905, one ormore programming modules 906, and may include a program data 907.Operating system 905, for example, may be suitable for controllingcomputing device 900's operation. In one embodiment, programming modules906 may include a pre-processing application 920. Furthermore,embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with agraphics library, other operating systems, or any other applicationprogram and is not limited to any particular application or system. Thisbasic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 9 by those components withina dashed line 908.

Computing device 900 may have additional features or functionality. Forexample, computing device 900 may also include additional data storagedevices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magneticdisks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated inFIG. 9 by a removable storage 909 and a non-removable storage 910.Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removableand non-removable media implemented in any method or technology forstorage of information, such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data. System memory 904, removablestorage 909, and non-removable storage 910 are all computer storagemedia examples (i.e., memory storage.) Computer storage media mayinclude, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasableread-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to storeinformation and which can be accessed by computing device 900. Any suchcomputer storage media may be part of device 900. Computing device 900may also have input device(s) 912 such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, asound input device, a touch input device, etc. Output device(s) 914 suchas a display, speakers, a printer, etc. may also be included. Theaforementioned devices are examples and others may be used.

Computing device 900 may also contain a communication connection 916that may allow device 900 to communicate with other computing devices918, such as over a network in a distributed computing environment, forexample, an intranet or the Internet. Communication connection 916 isone example of communication media. Communication media may typically beembodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, programmodules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information deliverymedia. The term “modulated data signal” may describe a signal that hasone or more characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encodeinformation in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media may include wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radiofrequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. The term computerreadable media as used herein may include both storage media andcommunication media.

As stated above, a number of program modules and data files may bestored in system memory 904, including operating system 905. Whileexecuting on processing unit 902, programming modules 906 (e.g.,pre-processing application 920) may perform processes including, forexample, one or more of the methods as described above and in therelated applications. The aforementioned process is an example, andprocessing unit 902 may perform other processes. Other programmingmodules that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure may include electronic mail and contacts applications, wordprocessing applications, spreadsheet applications, databaseapplications, slide presentation applications, drawing or computer-aidedapplication programs, etc.

Generally, consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, programmodules may include routines, programs, components, data structures, andother types of structures that may perform particular tasks or that mayimplement particular abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments of thedisclosure may be practiced with other computer system configurations,including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of thedisclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in anelectrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged orintegrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizinga microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements ormicroprocessors. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practicedusing other technologies capable of performing logical operations suchas, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited tomechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition,embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced within a general purposecomputer or in any other circuits or systems.

Embodiments of the disclosure, for example, may be implemented as acomputer process (method), a computing system, or as an article ofmanufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readablemedia. The computer program product may be a computer storage mediareadable by a computer system and encoding a computer program ofinstructions for executing a computer process. The computer programproduct may also be a propagated signal on a carrier readable by acomputing system and encoding a computer program of instructions forexecuting a computer process. Accordingly, the present disclosure may beembodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, residentsoftware, micro-code, etc.). In other words, embodiments of the presentdisclosure may take the form of a computer program product on acomputer-usable or computer-readable storage medium havingcomputer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the mediumfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. Acomputer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that cancontain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for useby or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice.

The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example butnot limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagationmedium. More specific computer-readable medium examples (anon-exhaustive list), the computer-readable medium may include thefollowing: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portablecomputer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory(ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flashmemory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory(CD-ROM). Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable mediumcould even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program isprinted, as the program can be electronically captured, via, forinstance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled,interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary,and then stored in a computer memory.

Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, are described abovewith reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations ofmethods, systems, and computer program products according to embodimentsof the disclosure. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur outof the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality/acts involved.

While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described, otherembodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been described as being associated with data stored inmemory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or readfrom other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storagedevices, like hard disks, solid state storage (e.g., USB drive), or aCD-ROM, a carrier wave from the Internet, or other forms of RAM or ROM.Further, the disclosed methods' stages may be modified in any manner,including by reordering stages and/or inserting or deleting stages,without departing from the disclosure.

All rights including copyrights in the code included herein are vestedin and the property of the Applicant. The Applicant retains and reservesall rights in the code included herein, and grants permission toreproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of thegranted patent and for no other purpose.

III. CLAIMS

While the specification includes examples, the disclosure's scope isindicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specificationhas been described in language specific to structural features and/ormethodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or actsdescribed above. Rather, the specific features and acts described aboveare disclosed as example for embodiments of the disclosure.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing discloseany additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claimsbelow, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right tofile one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures isreserved.

The following is claimed:
 1. An apparatus comprising: at least oneelastomer gasket housing components configured to enable at least onecamera configured to capture video data; at least one microphoneconfigured to capture audio data; a communications module; a locationdetection module; a power module; and a processing module, wherein theprocessing module is configured to control an operation of one of thefollowing: the at least one camera, the at least one microphone, the atleast one data communication device, and the power module, based on atleast one of the following: a location of the apparatus, and aninstruction received from the communications module.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein, the at least one elastomer gasket further comprises afoam structure.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least oneelastomer gasket further comprises a foam padding.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one elastomer gasket further comprises oneor more thermoplastic elastomers.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe at least one elastomer gasket is attached to hardshell headgear. 6.The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the hardshell headgear is configured toprovide increased protection on high impact.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5wherein the hardshell headgear comprises a lightweight material.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein the hardshell headgear is adapted forsports play.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one cameraconfigured to capture video data is adapted to track eye movement. 10.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one camera configured tocapture video data is adapted to track eye dilation.
 11. An apparatuscomprising: at least one elastomer gasket housing one or more electroniccomponents, wherein the one or more electronic components comprise: atleast one wireless element comprising at least one receiver configuredto receive content, and at least one transmitter configured to broadcastcontent, at least one camera configured to capture content, and at leastone microphone configured to capture content.
 12. A system comprising: ahard-shell headgear configured to provide increased protection on highimpact; at least one elastomer gasket housing within the hard-shellheadgear; one or more electronic components comprising: at least onecamera configured to capture video data, at least one microphoneconfigured to capture audio data, and a wireless element comprising: atleast one receiver configured to receive a multimedia data, and at leastone transmitter configured to broadcast the multimedia data.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the at least one elastomer gasket furthercomprises a foam structure.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the atleast one elastomer gasket further comprises a foam padding.
 15. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the at least one elastomer gasket furthercomprises one or more thermoplastic elastomers.
 16. The system of claim12, wherein the at least one elastomer gasket is attached to thehard-shell headgear.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the hard-shellheadgear comprises a lightweight material.
 18. The system of claim 12,wherein the hard-shell headgear is adapted for sports play.
 19. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the hard-shell headgear further compriseshelmet cushioning fibers.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein theelectronic components may be installed in between the hard-shellheadgear and at least one of: the at least one elastomer gasket and thehelmet cushioning fibers.